This Vintage Montana Neon Sign Collection is Stunning

I've always loved neon signs. When I got my first apartment (an orange-carpeted, 1970s-era "garden level" unit on Durston Road in Bozeman, which probably still has orange carpet and now rents for $2,500/month), I was thrilled when my buddy gifted me a Molson beer neon sign.

After many moves across the country, I either gave the sign away or it broke and ended up in a landfill. I can't remember for sure where it went, but I wish I had kept it; it would look great in my home office.

Neon signs were everywhere from the 1920s through the 1960s.

According to North American Signs, neon signs were developed by a Frenchman named Georges Claude, who unveiled his creation at the Paris Motor Show in 1910. The first commercial neon signs debuted in the US in 1923 on the front of a Packard automobile dealership in LA.

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Nowadays, authentic neon signs are becoming somewhat rare.

I can only think of a handful of cool neon exteriors that are still shining bright in Billings. The Crystal Lounge is a great example, and Jake's Downtown still has some cool neon on its exterior. Faux neon (LED) is now a very affordable option that almost looks the same... but not.

Check out Henry's Garage for incredible vintage neon.

As neon signs began disappearing around Billings in recent decades, one man has done an incredible job of restoring and preserving these vintage pieces of neon Montana advertising. Steve Henry, owner of Henry's Garage, has assembled what is likely one of the biggest private collections of vintage Montana neon in the state.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Henry's Garage for the first time for an event (it's been on my list for some time), and I was blown away. If you love neon, vintage Billings, and a trip down memory lane, don't pass up an opportunity to catch an event at Henry's Garage. Check out my pics below.